INFECTION CONTROL

Infection controls and universal precautions protect patients and staff alike. Everyone benefits from rigorous infection control — you, your dentist, and the dental team.  Dentists, dental hygienist, and dental staff have been practicing the highest level of infection control for years, as they are at greater risk of exposure to diseases or infections passed through blood, air, and saliva.  Feel free to discuss this topic with Dr. Erny any time!

Dr. Erny and our entire team follow infection control procedures and updates required by law and these government agencies: the Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA), the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). These measures include:

• Disinfectant hand soap
• Gloves and face masks
• Chemical disinfection of countertops and surfaces
• Sterilization of all equipment before every use
• Disposable materials
• Equipment maintenance per manufacturer recommendations

We sterilize all reusable equipment, including dental hand pieces. We use an autoclave, a device that kills bacteria and viruses by steam, heat and pressure.

The best defense against disease is information!  The more you know, the better equipped you are to make wise decisions about your health care.